Upgrade from the X-Fusion Pro

Modern bike tech... my 2021 Stumpjumper came with the X-Fusion 02 Pro RL rear shock with 130mm travel, which felt really stiff and not many adjustments, the lockout didn't even seem to work. I researched for weeks and was planning on getting a Fox rear shock with the extra can (piggy back) since I am on the heavier side.

After further research I found the RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock, to be a strong shock for the price. I contemplated getting the Super Deluxe (with a piggy back can)... however I didn't feel there would be any more travel for the extra cash, since the eye to eye and stroke are at 190mm x 45mm for the Specialized frame.

What about the Sag?

RockShox recommends the sag for the Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock to be set between 20% - 30% of the total travel, but that seemed to be not enough for me.

So I set the sag to 35% with about 230psi and never bottomed out, however it was close to bottoming out since being a heavier rider. The new RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock felt much better than the X-Fusion, however I needed a little more travel in the rear.

Since I'm riding over huge roots and big dips at slower speeds, I removed a little more air until I could bottom out on big hits. I then added back a little more air to about 180psi with the sag now set to 45%, which I know some will think that is too much sag (only 15% more sag than what RockShox recommends). However after testing, it seemed to give me the results I was looking for which was to absorb more of the bigger roots.

I did some more test rides to make sure I wasn't bottoming out on harder hits. Depending on your riding style, preference, skills, and trail conditions, if you haven't tried this setup and sag, you should try it out and see what you think.

Sag set at 45% of total travel with no bottoming out with about 180psi. Rebound set to 5 clicks from closed (Rebound = Red), and Low speed compression (LSC: Blue) all the way open (only 3 available settings on the blue lever).

Happy trails!